On Sunday, February 23rd, President Donald Trump appointed Dan Bongino as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A former NYPD officer, Secret Service agent, and conservative commentator, Bongino is a strong Trump ally now taking on the bureau’s second-highest role.
Trump praised Bongino’s background in law enforcement and media, calling him “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” In a Truth Social post, Trump highlighted Bongino’s career, from his time with the NYPD and Secret Service to his success as a podcaster. “He is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve,” Trump noted.
Bongino, who protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during his time in the Secret Service, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and a frequent critic of federal law enforcement agencies. His selection follows the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director. Patel, who has vowed to overhaul the bureau, called Bongino “a warrior and lifelong public servant” who will play a key role in restoring trust in the agency.
“His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to justice make him the ideal choice to help lead the FBI at this critical time. He’s a cops cop,” Patel wrote in a post on X. “Dan is stepping away from an incredibly successful career because he believes in this mission,”
However, critics argue that Bongino lacks direct experience within the FBI. Traditionally, the deputy director role has been held by a career agent with deep institutional knowledge of the bureau’s operations. His appointment has raised concerns among some political analysts about how the FBI’s leadership will function under the Trump administration.
The White House has not yet confirmed when Bongino will officially assume his new role.
